As nostalgia sweeps over him, and memories of snow white days surge, the once joyous house that he knew, where laughter bubbled in every nook and cranny, where the fragrant smell of freshly baked croissants would waft, where he would play

cops and robbers with his siblings, their father would come home, tired yet with a cheerful smile revealing with much enthusiasm that he had just purchased tickets for Ice Land; a house of happiness, merriment and joy, gleaming as if full of sunshine.

Now, as time witnesses events that make up history, such a house seems to have been just a mere mirage, an illusion or perhaps a lingering memory, for now the house no longer exists, and sweet memories are all that are left in the heart of this orphaned child.

Destitute and despairing, one truly finds it difficult to contemplate the course of emotions that this child suffers with. Indeed he has been forsaken, forsaken by the world, and mostly by us Muslims.

Whilst we lay on soft couches, reading about the latest trend, this child has now made ice as a bed, and a rock for a pillow.

Have we forgotten the famous hadith where The Messenger (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said “I and the one who sponsors an orphan will be in Paradise like these two” – and he gestured with his forefinger and middle finger, holding them apart.
[Sahih Al-Bukhari]

This hadith shows the virtue and rewards of the guardian of an orphan. The guardian of an orphan is the one who protects the orphan and spends on him from his wealth. This action is highly praised in Islam and has a great reward, the one who performs it will be close to the messenger (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) in paradise just like the two fingers if they are gestured together.

However, it does not literally mean that he will be in the same level as the Messenger Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) because the messengers have a position in paradise which no other person may achieve.

Nowadays, we hear such disturbing news, where Germany, Canada have taken such children under their wings, although their deed undoubtedly is noble, I fear for the upbringing of these children, tender minds who haven’t yet molded seeing non-muslim as benefactors, living in a non-muslim atmosphere, might come to love such patrons and end up feeling forsaken and betrayed by Muslims.

We need to take a stand dear brothers and sisters, in whichever way possible, by being there, or by wealth or most importantly by praying for them.

With the world today immersed in chaos, warfare, carnage and mayhem, orphaned children are frequently seen, we truly have ample opportunity of carrying out this noble deed.

May Allah bless us with Jannah

Bint Ayesha